| ![Show Contents]() Eltham History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms
- Origins Available:
England Early Origins of the Eltham familyThe surname Eltham was first found in Lancashire where one of the first record of the name was found in 1246 when Adam de Eluetham held estates in what is now known as Altham in Whalley in that shire. Eltham in Kent was an ancient family seat. "This place, in Domesday Book called Alteham, is supposed to have derived its name from the Saxon, Eald, old, and Ham, a dwelling. It formed part of the royal demesnes in the reign of Edward the Elder, by whom it was given to Odo, Archbishop of Canterbury; and at a very early period became a favourite retreat of the English kings." 1 A few years later, John of Eltham, 1st Earl of Cornwall (1316-1336) born at Eltham Palace, Kent, was the second son of king Edward II of England and his queen Isabella of France, heir to the English throne. "Edward II. resided here for some time, and at this place also his son was born, from this circumstance called John of Eltham, and the palace, erroneously, King John's Palace." 1 He was buried with full honors at Westminster Abbey in January 1337. Early History of the Eltham familyThis web page shows only a small excerpt of our Eltham research. Another 78 words (6 lines of text) covering the years 1455, 1487, 1498, 1530, 1557, 1570, 1607, 1612, 1617, 1661 and 1786 are included under the topic Early Eltham History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible. Eltham Spelling VariationsBefore the last few hundred years, the English language had no fast system of spelling rules. For that reason, spelling variations are commonly found in early Anglo-Saxon surnames. Over the years, many variations of the name Eltham were recorded, including Altham, Aletham, Althem, Althum, Allthem, Alltham, Eltham and many more. Early Notables of the Eltham familyDistinguished members of the family include - Agnes of Eltham (1498-1530), an English noblewoman who was an orphan and ward of Dartford Priory in Dartford, Kent who married Adam Langstroth, the head of a landed family in Yorkshire with 'a conside...
| Eltham migration to the United States | + |
To escape oppression and starvation at that time, many English families left for the "open frontiers" of the New World with all its perceived opportunities. In droves people migrated to the many British colonies, those in North America in particular, paying high rates for passages in cramped, unsafe ships. Although many of the settlers did not make the long passage alive, those who did see the shores of North America perceived great opportunities before them. Many of the families that came from England went on to make essential contributions to the emerging nations of Canada and the United States. Research into various historical records revealed some of first members of the Eltham family emigrate to North America:
Eltham Settlers in United States in the 18th Century- Henry Eltham, who settled in America in 1775
| Contemporary Notables of the name Eltham (post 1700) | + |
- Ben Eltham, Australian writer, journalist, researcher and social commentator
The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.
Motto: Pro Deo at Catholica fide
Motto Translation: For God and the Catholic faith.
- Lewis, Samuel, A Topographical Dictionary of England. Institute of Historical Research, 1848, Print.
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